This, understand, is a player who'd never brought back kicks of any kind before his rookie NFL season of '06. Nor had he played wide receiver.

Spurlock, an athlete who was such a good quarterback that he set Mississippi high school passing records and compiled 4,500 yards while throwing or rushing for 45 touchdowns his senior season, stayed close to home by choosing Ole Miss. That meant he spent much of his college career backing up Eli Manning, then wound up a Rebels running back.

He and Johnson signed with an Encinitias-based agent -- former SDSU and Green Bay Packers lineman Rich Moran – who had them training before the draft with former All-Pro Mike Douglass in Alpine and track coach Rhan Sheffield.

"Put it this way," said Douglass. "I've worked with a lot of NFL players, but the only one whose jersey is hanging in my gym is Micheal's. His dedication to preparation is off the charts. He's not the type to kick down doors. All he needs is a crack that's open to him."

Spurlock has a degree in criminal justice, with a minor in sociology, and a plan to eventually continue his parents’ work of providing hospice care to the elderly. He has four young daughters of his own.

“That the best part of my day, going home to my wife (Danielle) and kids,” said Spurlock. “No matter how good or bad my day is at work, I get in my car and go home. The kids hear the garage door, run downstairs and it’s “Daddy is home!” It’s the sweetest thing.”